Cal Fire employee arrested for allegedly starting fires while off duty
Sep 20, 2024
(KRON) -- A Cal Fire employee who allegedly started five fires while he was off duty has been arrested on suspicion of arson to forest land, according to Cal Fire. The employee, Robert Hernandez, 38, of Healdsburg, was arrested by Cal Fire Law Enforcement officers at 8 a.m. on Friday, according to officials.
The alleged incidents occurred in areas surrounding Geyserville, Healdsburg, and Windsor. Hernandez, who is a Cal Fire Fire Apparatus Engineer, is suspected of having ignited the following fires:
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The Alexander Fire on Aug. 15, 2024
The Windsor River Road Fire on Sept. 8, 2024
The Geysers Fire on Sept. 12, 2024
The Geyser Fire on Sept. 14, 2024
The Kinley Fire on Sept. 14, 2024
Thanks to the quick actions of residents and firefighters, all five of the fires Hernandez allegedly set burned less than an acre combined.
"I am appalled to learn one of our employees would violate the public's trust and attempt to tarnish the tireless work of the 12,000 women and men of Cal Fire," said Cal Fire Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler.
Hernandez will be booked into Sonoma County Jail on charges of arson to forest land, officials said.